"We're the ones on the pitch, we have to take a lot of responsibility [for Moyes leaving]. We've had a tough week and there's been a lot of negativity towards us as a team. We were hurt by that and we wanted to put that right. It's important for us to end the season well."

Rooney was also full of praise for Giggs' impact on the team since taking charge, although he stopped short of saying he should be the next United boss. "Giggsy has come in, he's a really experienced player and he's built to be a manager," he said.

"We can see that as players, we can see how he's handled himself since he took over. Giggsy has got all the credentials to be the next boss but that decision is down to the board."

Mata started the match on the bench but was delighted to be given his chance to make his mark in a much-improved second-half display.

"We scored four times and we didn't concede a goal," he said. "The first half was difficult but in the second half we showed what Manchester United can do at home.

"We always try our best. Sometimes it's difficult to win, it's difficult to play. We didn't find enough space to create opportunities in the first half, but we're all together and our aim is to win the three games we have left."